Overview
- Novak Djokovic was awarded the China Open semifinal on Monday when Daniil Medvedev was defaulted while Djokovic was serving at 7-5, 5-3, extending Djokovic’s unbeaten Beijing record to 33-0 and advancing him to the final.
- The ball struck a spectator in the face after it rebounded behind the baseline, the fan was escorted out for treatment, the chair umpire consulted the tournament referee, and officials enforced a disqualification for ball abuse.
- Under ATP rules a default for causing spectator injury normally means forfeiture of ranking points and prize money from the event, so Medvedev faces the loss of his China Open rewards and a possible impact on his Race to Turin spot.
- Djokovic reached the late stage after a string of comeback wins in Beijing, including a win over top seed Alexander Zverev that featured a disputed LED‑signage replay; Djokovic acknowledged shock at the ending and expressed sympathy for both the fan and Medvedev.
- The final will pit Djokovic against Alex de Minaur after Hubert Hurkacz retired injured in the other semi, and tournament medical issues and several withdrawals across the Asian swing are already reshaping the late‑season draw and ranking picture.